Staten Island gears up for its 60th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a longstanding tradition celebrating Irish heritage and culture. The parade, commencing at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, promises a vibrant procession down Forest Avenue, from Hart Boulevard to Jewett Avenue.

Parade Inclusivity and Controversies

In recent years, the parade has faced controversies regarding the exclusion of LGBTQ+ groups. However, the Staten Island Business Outreach Center has taken a significant step towards inclusivity by organizing an additional parade open to these groups on March 17, marking a progressive shift in the event’s dynamics.

Grand Marshal and Key Details

Timothy O’Sullivan has been selected as this year’s grand marshal, adding an esteemed presence to the festivities. As the community braces for the event, it’s crucial to note the logistical details provided by the NYC DOT to ensure a smooth experience for attendees.

Street Closures and Transportation Impacts

The NYC DOT has announced several street closures to accommodate the parade route:

• Hart Boulevard between Forest Avenue and Revere Street
• Forest Avenue between Hart Boulevard and Jewett Avenue
• Forest Avenue between Jewett Avenue and Ordell Avenue

Additionally, adjacent streets may experience closures as determined by the NYPD. Commuters should anticipate disruptions to bus services along Forest Avenue. The MTA has outlined the following route adjustments for the S48 and S53 buses during the parade hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

S48 Route Adjustments:

St. George Ferry bound:

• Via Forest Avenue
• Left on Willowbrook Road
• Right on Port Richmond Avenue
• Right on Castleton Avenue
• Right on Cebra Avenue
• Left on Victory Boulevard, then regular route

Holland Avenue bound:

• Via Victory Boulevard
• Right on Cebra Avenue
• Left on Castleton Avenue
• Left on Port Richmond Avenue
• Left on Willowbrook Road
• Right on Forest Avenue, then regular route

S53 Route Adjustments:

Brooklyn bound:

• Via Castleton Avenue
• Right on Haven Esplanade
• Left on Forest Avenue
• Right on Victory Boulevard
• Left on Clove Road, then regular route

Port Richmond bound:

• Via Clove Road
• Right on Victory Boulevard
• Left on Forest Avenue
• Right on Haven Esplanade
• Left on Castleton Avenue, then regular route

These adjustments aim to minimize inconvenience for commuters while ensuring the safety and efficiency of parade activities.

Celebrating Diversity and Community Spirit

As Staten Island prepares to host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ groups marks a significant milestone in the event’s history. With Timothy O’Sullivan leading the procession and streets adorned with revelry, the parade encapsulates the spirit of diversity and community that defines this vibrant borough.

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